Does Lymphoma Cancer Run in Families?

Published at 03/01/2012 04:35:07

Introduction

Lymphoma is a disease that is in the lymphocytes and these cells form a part of the immune system. When you are suspected of having lymphoma, it is because these cells clustered making a lump or tumor grows in your lymph nodes. Cancer lymphoma does not run in families, but there could be a connection to being exposed to the same chemicals that can make members of the same family end up with it. It does not matter the age of the person, both young and old can end up with it. Having a weak immune system can be one cause of getting cancer lymphoma. There are many different classification of lymphoma.

The lymphatic system is all through the body and the lymphocytes attack infectious agents, as well as precancerous cells. There are two major lymphocytes the B cells and the T cells. B cell lymphocytes produce antibodies and these alert other cells of the immune system to recognize and destroy the intruders known as pathogens. T cells kill pathogens directly. They also play a part in the mechanism of the immune system to help prevent overactive or under active of the system. B and T cells can help to remember invaders and can be prepared to fight them off if they return. Cancer occurs when normal cells transform and multiply in force, and as they continue to multiply, they form a mass.

Around five percent of all lymphoma cases are linked within a family. This means that lymphoma is not directly linked in families but that the same family members could have been exposed to the same things that cause cancer lymphoma and does include radiation and pesticides. Some infections can also cause lymphoma and these include HIV/ AIDS, the Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis c and helicobacter pylori are all factors that can increase the risk.

New studies are also being conducted now to see if maybe some pesticides could also lead to a person having lymphoma. There has never been any concrete evidence that cancer lymphoma runs in families. However, some families might run the risk if they share some of the same risks factors, and this could make one think that it is genetic. Some small towns that are around nuclear plants have a higher rate of certain diseases like leukemia and lymphoma. These are often the top two that are on the list. Is there a connection? The answer of course depends on who you talk to and who is around when they give you an answer.

Tips and comments

Here are some symptoms of cancer lymphoma:

Lumps in the groin, neck or underarm area that are not painful.

Weight loss when you are not dieting.

A fever for no reason.

Itching all over the body.

Night sweats when you are not going through menopause.

Weakness

Not being able to catch your breath along with swelling in your face and neck.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor and see him. It could be that you just have a virus that is causing some of these. Better to be safe than sorry.